Paddle to Pop-up Device

ABSTRACT

A device for attachment to the deck of a surfboard or paddleboard for making paddling a surfboard or paddleboard more comfortable and easier to paddle. On a surfboard the device can also assist in attaining proper speed and so that a surfer can more easily “pop-up.” The pop-up assist generally comprises a main body having a generally wedge shape attached to the deck of the surfboard generally where the lower chest or abdomen of the surfer, makes contact with the board. The pop-up assist generally creates a wedge between the body of the surfer or paddler and the deck of the surfboard, lifting the user&#39;s upper chest, neck and, head up from the deck of the board.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of surfboards and paddleboards, more particularly to attachments or modifications to the decks of surfboards and paddleboards for assisting the user in paddling and standing up on surfboards and paddling paddleboards.

2. Description of the Related Art

Surfing is a popular surface water sport in which the participant is carried along the face of a breaking wave using a surfboard. Surfing requires balance, coordination and dexterity. Some of the most difficult aspects of learning to surf are paddling to the speed of the wave, maintaining a nice smooth motion in changing from a paddling position to a standing position, keeping one's center of gravity low once standing on the board, and maintaining a good flexed balance on the centerline or “stringer” of the board.

Surfing begins with the surfer eyeing a wave on the horizon and then attempting to match its speed toward the beach by paddling. Once the wave has started to carry the surfer forward, the surfer quickly jumps, or in surfer lingo “pops-up,” to his or her feet and proceeds to ride down the face of the wave, generally staying just ahead of the whitewater of the wave.

The two most common challenges for surfers are paddling out to the waves and, once there, the task of paddling the board fast enough to pop-up on the board. The object of paddling is to get the surfer out to the lineup of the waves with their board. While the movements of paddling are simple, it becomes much harder in the ocean as the surfer has to balance their body on the board in moving water while being deterred by the currents, wind and waves. Developing a proficiency at paddling is important for several reasons: 1) if a surfer cannot paddle well, he or she will not be able to get out beyond the breaking waves to the line up (i.e., the place in the water where the waves break)—he or she will never get a decent ride on a wave; 2) if a surfer is slower at paddling they will lose all the waves to the other surfers in the ocean that day; and 3) the more effort it takes a surfer to paddle out to the line-up, the more likely it is that the surfer will be caught by breaking waves, which can make paddling even harder, tiring the surfer.

Paddling begins outside of the water, with the surfer taking a moment to study the waves and decide upon the path to travel. The next steps generally proceed as follows: first, the surfer wades out into the water with their board until the water is waist-to-chest deep, then, the surfer must lay their body on the deck of the surfboard, generally in the prone position. A surfer frequently will have difficulty paddling out because of poor body positioning on the deck of the board. If the surfer is too far back on the board, it will tilt up in the front causing resistance that will make paddling the surfboard harder as well as potentially making it hard to see in front of the board. Further, if the surfer is too far forward on the surfboard, then the nose will sink, causing the surfer difficulty in maneuvering the board.

A surfer is in proper position when their body weight is positioned along the centerline or “stringer” of the board, their feet are raised slightly off the board and their body is positioned to keep the board on the surface of the water creating minimum drag. Once on the board, the surfer must begin to paddle slowly and smoothly, finishing each paddle stroke before starting the next one. The arm movement should be like that of the freestyle swim stroke: the arm should be stretched outright, fingertips pointed and together with each hand entering the water smoothly. The surfer must keep their head and chest lifted, with a slight arch in their back, at all times through the paddling process. This general method for paddling out to the waves is used because it allows a surfer to maintain balance on the board in the water and, with their chest raised and eyes ahead, puts the surfer's or paddler's arms, shoulders and upper body in a good position to propel their body through the water towards their target.

Despite its advantages, this method of paddling can be an uncomfortable and daunting task. Further, the act of raising one's chest/torso above the surface of the board can cause fatigue and strain in the musculoskeletal system of the surfer's lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine regions. Over time, the surfer has the possibility of developing chronic back pain and muscle tension, among other physical problems, from this motion. Due to these problems associated with paddling, alternative methods such as tow-in surfing, where paddling is eliminated by the use of a personal watercraft, and stand-up paddle surfing, where a paddle is used by the surfer to get out to the line-up, have gained in popularity.

Popping-up is the motion where surfers go from the paddling position, lying face down on their board, to standing up, all in one jump. Broken down into steps, the pop-up motion generally begins with the surfer lying on their stomach in the prone position on the board, with their hands palms down on either side of their chest and with their legs together. Once in this position, the surfer must do a push-up, such that all of their weight is now supported by their hands, just as in a regular push-up, but with an arched back so that the surfer's upper body is elevated and their pelvis more or less remains on the board. Keeping their hands firmly on the board, the surfer then must bring their knees up to their chest, such that their feet swing in under their body like a pendulum. The surfer will want to end up with their feet pointing somewhat across the board, with the heels on one side of the centerline or stringer of the board and the balls of the feet and toes on the other side of the centerline or stringer (or with the reverse foot position depending on the surfer's foot preference). After this, the surfer will be in a deep crouched position with their body facing sideways and their weight centered, head up with their eyes looking forward, feet slightly wider than their shoulders, and with their arms bent out from their sides, slightly forward. The popping-up motion developed as a way for the surfer to stand up on their board while maintaining control and balance of the board with their feet, their weight, and the center line of the board.

In summary, surfing requires the strength to paddle out to the waves and the strength to lift, or “pop-up” off of one's board. Consequently, beginner surfers with little upper body strength or little experience with the motions required to paddle out to a wave and properly pop-up can find these two tasks difficult and daunting. Also, paddleboarders require stamina to endure staying in the prone paddling position.

Previously, practicing paddling and popping-up on dry land prior to hitting the ocean were the methods used to combat the problems associated with paddling and popping-up on a surfboard. While practice is valuable, even for experienced surfers, the equipment does not always make the task of paddling and popping-up easy. Further, paddling, even for those skilled in it, can be hard on the body of the surfer due to their ribs being pressed into the board and the strain and tension in the muscles of the surfer's back that results from maintaining the proper raised paddling position.

SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this section is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Because of these and other problems known to those of skill in the art, described herein, amongst other things, is a pop-up assist or other means comprising a generally wedge shape pad designed to be attached to, or formed as a part of, a surfboard or paddleboard. The pop-up assist is designed to act as a wedge between the body of the person laying flat on their stomach prone on a surfboard or paddleboard in the paddling position and the surfboard such that strain is taken off the lower rib cage of the user's chest/torso by spreading the pressure-point normally focused by the flat surface of the surfboard or paddleboard across the area of the pad. This also provides support for and raises the chest/torso of the surfer so that paddling a surfboard or paddleboard is more comfortable and the difficulty of achieving the proper arm movement is eased. This lifting and pressure relief also generally assists a surfer in reducing the amount of energy needed to pop-up. It is contemplated that the pop-up assist will be more widely used on, longboards and funboards and less than on shortboards due to inherent properties of surfboard design but that is by no means required, and the device may be used on any type of surfboard. The device may also be used on a paddleboard or other similar device where popping-up is generally not performed, but as a pure paddle assist device.

There is described herein, among other things, a device or similar means for attachment to the deck of a surfboard or paddleboard for making paddling a surfboard or paddleboard more comfortable and easier to paddle. On a surfboard the device can also assist in attaining proper speed so that a surfer can more easily “pop-up.” The pop-up assist generally comprises a main body having a generally wedge shape attached to the deck of the surfboard generally where the lower chest or abdomen of the surfer, makes contact with the board. The pop-up assist generally creates a wedge between the body of the surfer or paddler and the deck of the surfboard, lifting the user's upper chest, neck and, head up from the deck of the board.

There is also described herein a pad for attachment to a deck of a surfboard, the pad comprising: a main body having a generally wedge shape with a distal and a proximal end and a length therebetween, with the larger portion of the wedge being located towards the proximal end; a lower surface of the main body sized and shaped for attachment to a surfboard; an upper surface of the main body which angles downward to the deck of the surfboard from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the main body is attached to the deck of the surfboard at a position so as to contact the user's body between the neck and the abdomen; wherein the proximal end is positioned toward a nose of the surfboard and the distal end is positioned toward a tail of the surfboard; and wherein the pad serves as a wedge between the body of the user lying flat on his or her stomach in the prone position on the surfboard and the board separating their upper torso from the deck.

In an embodiment of the pad, the angle of the upper surface ends before the distal end and the upper surface continues parallel to the lower surface for the remaining length of the upper surface.

In an embodiment of the pad the proximal end of the pad contains a concave depression in the central area of the proximal end from the upper surface to the lower surface. The concave depression may be generally crescent shaped or have a general polygonal shape

In an embodiment of the pad, the pad is designed to be attached by a hook and loop fastener system to the deck of a surfboard where one component of the hook and loop fastener material is attached to the deck of the surfboard and the mating component of the hook and fastener material is attached to the lower surface of the pad. This provides an embodiment where the pad is designed to be attached to the deck of a surfboard through an attachment system that enables the user to adjust the pad forward or backward on the surfboard.

In another embodiment, the pad is attached to the surfboard by an adhesive on the lower surface of the pad and the deck of the surfboard, forming a bond or is attached by a pin and hole system wherein the surfboard is built with pins and holes to accommodate the pad and the pad attaches to the board through the pin and hole system.

In a still further embodiment, the upper surface of the pad is covered by a layer of cushioning substance such as, but not limited to, polyurethane gel.

In a still further embodiment, at least one of the elevation or size of the pad is adjustable such as, but not limited to, by inflation or deflation of at least a portion of the pad.

In a still further embodiment, the pad includes a concave pocket which may be closed by placing the pad on the surfboard.

In a still further embodiment, the pad is formed of foam, plastic, rubber, polyester material, neoprene, or a combination thereof.

In a still further embodiment, the pad comprises two or more separate pieces designed to be mutually attached to a deck of a surfboard and which together act as the pad.

There is also described herein, a surfboard comprising: a deck originating at a tail and extending to a nose; a bottom opposing the deck and including at least one fin; a generally wedge shaped protrusion extending from the deck, the protrusion including a proximal and distal end and a length therebetween; wherein the proximal end of wedge shaped protrusion extends further from the deck of the surfboard than the distal end; wherein such proximal end of the protrusion is positioned toward the nose and the distal end is positioned toward the tail; and wherein the wedge shaped protrusion is positioned on the surfboard so as to contact a user's body between the neck and the abdomen when a user lies prone on the deck.

In an embodiment of the surfboard, the proximal end of the wedge shaped protrusion contains a concave depression in the central area of the proximal end from the upper surface to the lower surface.

In an embodiment of the surfboard, two or more wedge shaped protrusions are located on the deck of the surfboard, each of the wedge shaped protrusions being similarly positioned

In an embodiment of the surfboard, the protrusion is not intended to be removed from the deck in normal operation. In an alternative embodiment the protrusion is separable from the deck.

There is also described herein a method of surfing comprising: providing to a human user a surfboard having a deck with a wedge shaped projection thereon, the projection having a proximal end arranged toward the nose of the surfboard and extending from the deck a greater distance than an opposing distal end of the projection; the human user lying on the deck of the surfboard in a prone position so that the projection is pushed against at least a lower portion of the human user's ribs so as to direct a portion of the human user's torso away from the deck, the portion including the human user's head; the human user placing the surfboard into a body of water; the human user paddling on the surfboard while utilizing the wedge as support; and the user transitioning from the prone position to standing on the surfboard.

There is also described herein a surfboard comprising: a deck originating at a tail and extending to a nose; a bottom opposing the deck and including at least one fin; and means extending from the deck and positioned on the deck so as to contact a user's body between the neck and the abdomen when a user lies prone on the deck and direct the user's neck away from the deck when the user's abdomen is on the deck.

In an embodiment of this surfboard the means also assists the user in transitioning from the prone positioning to a standing positioning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 provides a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a pad.

FIG. 2 provides a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 provides a top view of a second embodiment of a pad.

FIG. 6 provides a top view of a third embodiment of a pad.

FIG. 7 provides a side view of the upper surface of a pad constructed of three components.

FIG. 8 provides a side view of the main body of the pad of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 provides a side view of the lower surface of the pad of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a pad such as that of FIG. 1 attached to the deck of a surfboard.

FIG. 11 illustrates a surfboard with a fourth embodiment of a pad affixed thereto.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a surfer in a paddling motion on a surfboard with a pad affixed thereto. This figure illustrates the decreased surface area of the deck to which the surfer's chest is exposed and how the tri-wedge pad lifts the surfer's chest area.

FIG. 13 illustrates a paddling surfer on a surfboard with a pad affixed thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description illustrates by way of example and not by way of limitation. The term surfboard, as used herein generally refers to longboards, funboards, shortboards, and other surfboards where a user will generally stand, at least for a portion of the time, on the board and where it is generally necessary to switch from the prone paddling position to the standing position. The embodiments, herein will generally be focused on the device's use on surfboards since on these devices popping-up is generally part of the traditional manner of use. It should be recognized that the device can also be used on paddleboards or any other similar buoyant equipment which is intended to be used only in the prone position without popping up. Use on these boards, however, is generally a simplified version of the use on a surfboard.

Described herein, among other things, is a device (100) that attaches to a surfboard (304) that serves as a wedge between the body of the user (351) lying flat on their stomach in the paddling position prone to the surfboard (304) and the board (304) itself so that the user's (351) chest/torso is raised (580). This effectively takes the strain off the lower rib cage of the user's (351) chest/torso by spreading the pressure points normally focused on the deck of the surfboard (154) onto the wedge pad device (100), thus making it more comfortable for the user (351) to arch their back (127). This enables easier paddling and popping-up for the user (351). The pad (100) also functions to support the chest of the user (351) in the paddling position, thus decreasing muscle strain and tension in the user's (351) back in the paddling position, offering comfort.

Depending on the particular embodiment, the device (100) may be constructed in several methods. First, the device (100) may be separate to the surfboard (304) and retrofitted onto the board (304) through an attachment system. Alternatively, the device (100) may be constructed as part of the board (304). By no means are either of these methods required.

The assist (100) is a generally wedge shaped pad having a smaller distal end (110) and a larger proximal end (105). FIGS. 1 through 3 provide for various different views of a first embodiment of a pop-up assist (100). In the depicted embodiment, the pop-up assist (100) is generally designed to be attached to a previously constructed surfboard (304). In the depicted embodiment, there is a concave depression (101) on the proximal end (105) of the pad (100) that runs from the upper surface (116) to the lower surface (120).

The pop-up assist (100) will generally be molded as a single unitary piece of material, however this is by no means required and the device (100) may be formed of multiple components which are permanently or temporarily connected or placed together. The component parts of an embodiment of a device (100) are shown in FIGS. 7-9, where the device (100), comprises a lower surface (120), a middle wedge shaped body (215) and an upper surface (116). The upper surface (116) of the pop-up assist (100) will generally be in an anatomically correct shape so as to contour to the chest/torso area of the user (351), but this is by no means required.

The main body of the pop-up assist (100), as exemplified in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3, is a generally wedge shaped design. The proximal end (105) of the main body is generally greater in height than the distal end (110) of the main body which results in a taper in the upper surface (116) along the length of the main body from the proximal end (105) to near the distal end (110). This creates a generally smooth gradient from the proximal end (105) of the main body to the distal end (110) of the main body.

In a preferred embodiment, at a point approximately ¾ths of the way to the distal end (110) of the device, the taper of the upper surface (116) ends and the upper surface (116) of the pop-up device (100) continues generally parallel to the lower surface (120) for the remaining distance of the upper surface (116), creating a flat area (113) of the pad (100). This embodiment is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 3. This flat parallel portion of the device (100) functions as a cushion for the lower rib cage of the user (351) without actually directing the projection of the user's torso; thus further increasing the support and comfort of the user (351) in the prone position. While preferred, this parallel portion of the device is by no means required and the entire wedge (100) may be tapered. The general slope of the taper of the wedge pad (100) is generally designed to be relatively linear but that is by no means required.

In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the proximal end (105) of the wedge pad (100) contains a generally concave shaped depression (101). This concave depression (101) runs from the upper surface (116) of the wedge pad (100) to the lower surface (120) of the wedge pad (100). The concave depression (101) is generally located in the central area of the proximal end (105) of the wedge pad (100). The depression (101) is generally crescent shaped where a crescent shape generally is the shape of the moon in its first or last quarter, resembling a segment of a ring tapering to points at the ends as seen in FIG. 2. In alternative embodiments, slightly different shapes may be used. An example is shown in shown in FIG. 6 which has a polygonal-type shape, such as, but not limited to, the shape of the lower half of a hexagon. By no means are either of these shapes required and other depressions may be included, or the depression may be entirely eliminated.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of the device (100) will be about 9-10″, the length of the device (100), will be about 7-8″, the thickness of the device (100) will range from about 2″ at the thick end to about ½″ at the thin end. These measurements are by no means limiting or exclusive but provide for general ranges which can be comfortable and assistive to user's of more average body size and shape. In other embodiments, small, medium and larger sizes of the device will be constructed to conform to particular user sizes, or for particular uses.

Functionally, the concave depression (101), along with the general wedge shape of the main body, generally reduces the strain on the user's (351) chest/torso area by spreading the pressure-points normally focused on the deck of the surfboard (154) on around one or two square inches of each side (both left and right) of the chest/torso of the user (351). This decreased resistance on the user's (351) chest/torso makes it easier for the user (351) to pop-up. Further, the concave depression (101) generally functions to keep the center of the user's (351) rib cage, which is generally more delicate than the surrounding areas, from supporting as much of the user's (351) weight as the two sides and lower areas of the user's (351) torso which are often more muscular. Lastly, in addition to reducing strain, increasing comfort and providing additional support, the concave depression and general wedge shape of the device (100) also effectively raises the user's (351) chest/torso (580) such that it is easier to paddle.

Before describing how the device (100) is attached to or constructed as part of a surfboard (304) it is important to briefly overview the structure and types of surfboards (304). Surfboards (304) are the buoyant equipment used in the sport of surfing. Surfboards (304) are generally comprised of the following parts: 1) a nose (43) (the front tip of the board); 2) the tail (182) (the back end of the board); 3) the deck (154) (the surface of the board that the surfer stands on; 4) the bottom (162) (the surface of the board that rests in the water); 5) the rail (24) (the edges of the board); and 5) the fins (313) (also known as “skegs,” the fins create stick and drive on the wave face, keeping the board (304) from sliding sideways on a wave uncontrollably); among other various parts. Paddleboards and other boards often have similar components, but generally lack fins as they are not steered on wave faces. Most modern surfboards (304) can be divided into three main categories: longboards, funboards and shortboards. Longboards are longer (usually eight or more feet), thicker and wider. Funboards are a mix between longboards and shortboards, usually between six and eight feet in length. Shortboards are shorter (usually five to seven feet) and thinner. Shortboards are not as wide as longboards and are typically more maneuverable. While most people think of shortboards when they think of surfboards, the other forms of surfboard are actually more common.

A surfboard (304) must be light enough for the surfer (351) to handle, but strong enough to support the weight of the surfer (351) standing on it as well as battering from the waves and water. To achieve both strength and lightness, surfboards (304) are usually constructed using a polyurethane or polystyrene foam. The foam is molded into the rough shape of a surfboard (304) called a blank. Shapers then cut, plane and sand the blank into a board (304). Then board (304) is then covered in one or more layers of fiberglass cloth and resin. It is generally in this final stage that the fins (313), or boxes for removable fins are attached to the surfboard (304). Boards (304) have also been made using epoxy resin and polystyrene foam, instead of polyester resin and polyurethane foam; balsa and a polystyrene core and solid balsa. The latest materials used have included carbon fiber. While surfboards (304) are generally shaped by hand, the use of machines in shaping has become more and more popular with advances in technology.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the wedge (100) is generally positioned on the board (304) with the proximal end positioned toward the nose and the distal end positioned toward the tail so that the wedge (100) extends a greater distance from the deck at the forward position than the rearward. The wedge (100) is also generally positioned laterally on the deck where those generally skilled in the art recognize that a particular user's (351) chest should be placed on the deck of the surfboard (154) to achieve the proper paddling position to maintain balance and buoyancy on the board (304) and to have correct positioning when popping-up. In an embodiment, the user's breast will generally be beyond the proximal end of the device (100), with the user's chest contacting the device (100) just below that.

Depending on the size of the board (304), e.g., longboard or shortboard, and the body type of the user (351), this position can generally range from the middle of the board (304) to closer to the nose (43) of the board (304). Further, positioning may also depend on specific ocean conditions being surfed. Generally, the device (100) will be positioned near the center of the surfboard (304), often with the midpoint of the device (100) just slightly ahead of the midpoint of the surfboard (304). In an embodiment of the device on a long board, the distal end is about 4 foot 7 inches from the tail, while the proximal end is about 4 foot 2 inches from the nose rendering the center of the device (100) a few inches forward of center on the surfboard (204).

Fixed to the proper position on the board (304), attachment of the device (100) to the board (304) generally ensures that the user (351) will be able to achieve the proper position to paddle and pop-up on the board (304) as the device (100) acts as a marker to the user (351), designating the place where the user's (351) chest/torso should meet the board (304). In this way, the device (100) can provide for additional ease of use of the board (304) by providing that the board has “custom fit” to the user when they are paddling.

The pop-up assist (100) is generally attached to the deck of the surfboard (154) by the lower surface (120). This lower surface (120), as seen in FIG. 3 is generally sized and shaped for such attachment which often means it is flat. Generally, the device (100) will be positioned so the lower portion of the user's (351) ribs are in contact with the device (100) with their upper ribs and neck suspended beyond the proximal end (105). This is generally the front-most contact point of the surfer's (351) body and the board in the paddling position. This positioning is illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13.

The pop-up assist (100) is attached to the deck of the surfboard (154) generally in a two stage process. It is acknowledged that the exact positioning of the pop-up assist (100) depends on the specifics of the attachment at that particular time. Accordingly, the attachment of the pop-up assist (100) can be permanent or moveable, providing different “fitting” options for an individual user (351) or multiple users (351) of the board (304).

In a preferred embodiment, the lower surface (120) of the pop-up assist (100) is attached to the deck of the surfboard (154) with hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro™). The first stage fastens a piece of the hook and loop fastener material to the deck of the surfboard (154) via an adhesive (generally an adhesive used to fasten pads or traction pads to surfboards (304) may be used). Next, a mating piece of hook and loop fastener material is adhered to the lower surface (120) of the pad (100). The pop-up assist (100) is attached to the surfboard (304) via these two mating pieces of hook and loop fastener material. This method fastens the pop-up assist (100) to the surfboard (304) in a way that is firm, but adjustable, such that a surfer or paddler (351) can adjust the pop-up assist (100) forward or backward while on the surfboard (304) or prior to surfing by releasing the two halves of the hook and loop fastener, moving and then reattaching the device (100). Further, this type of connection allows for the device (100) to be used on surfboards (304) which may be used by a number of different users (351). For example rental surfboards (304) are boards (304) that are used by a number of different surfers (351) with a number of different body types.

In another embodiment, the lower surface (120) of the pop-up assist (100) is attached to the deck of the surfboard (154) via a permanent adhesive (generally an adhesive used to fasten pads or traction pads to surfboards (304) is contemplated; however, any adhesive may be used) to form a bond with the deck of the board (154) that is not easily modifiable by the user (351). This method of attachment results in the device (100) effectively becoming a part of the deck of a surfboard (154) as illustrated in FIG. 11.

In another embodiment, the lower surface (120) of the pop-up assist (100) is attached to the deck of the surfboard (154) via a pin and hole system, or similar attachment device. In this method, the board (304) is either built with a pin and hole fastener system or a pin and hole fastener system is attached to the board (304) via a permanent adhesive. Next, a compatible piece of the pin and hole fastener system is attached to the lower surface (120) of the pop-up assist (100) via a permanent adhesive. The pin and hole system, or similar attachment device creates a strong bond between the pop-up assist (100) and the deck of the surfboard (154). While a number of different alternatives are discussed above, it would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that alternative designs of cohesion may also be used to attach the pop-up assist (100) to the deck of the surfboard (154).

The pop-up assist (100) will generally be manufactured of a soft yet resilient substance. This may include, but is not limited to, foams, plastics, rubbers, polyester material or other fabric, neoprene, similar materials or a combination thereof. This creates a material consistency of the pop-up assist (100) that is generally soft but firm and slightly lower in density than surfboard (304) “traction pads.” Utilization of these materials creates a pop-up assist (100) that offers the user (351) comfort plus support.

In warm weather and water, it is customary in the surfing community to surf without a wetsuit. Accordingly, the pop-up assist (100) is generally made of a springy/soft material that will not chafe or aggravate the user's (351) skin. The use of these materials enables a surfer or paddler (351) who does not surf with a wet suit to avoid a rash or other skin irritation that could be caused by use of hasher materials interacting with their skin. The material also needs to engage with sufficient friction to keep the user (351) from unnecessarily sliding, while not so much friction that the user (351) is inhibited from purposefully moving relative to the device (100) when popping-up.

In another embodiment of the pop-up assist (100), the upper surface (116) of the pop-up assist (100) comprises or is covered with a layer of cushioning substance, such as gels, foams, or similar materials. In an embodiment a formed polyurethane gel such as Technogel™ or Levagel™, may be used in a generally a ¼ inch to a ½ inch layer. This layer effectively increases the comfort of the pop-up assist (100) for the surfer or paddler (351).

In another embodiment, the elevation and size of the pop-up assist (100) will be adjustable via an air pump system in the pop-up assist (100). The angle at which a user's (351) upper chest/torso needs to be raised is generally dependent upon the size or weight of the user (351). This embodiment contemplates desired variance in the elevation of the wedge (100) for different users (351) or even for different surfing conditions. Accordingly, in this embodiment the elevation or angle of the device (100) can be adjusted for the body types of particular users (351) via the air pump system. Generally, the system will allow the user (351) to pump air into the device (100) to raise the elevation/angle and to deflate the device (100) to lower the elevation/angle of the device (100). This can allow for increased comfort and support for the user (351). Further, this system would generally allow the user (351) to adjust the arch of their back (127) relative to the deck of the board (154) while on the board (304) and in the prone paddling position and/or before a user (351) even gets on the board (304).

As seen in the embodiments FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 the general shape of the pop-up assist (100) from a top view is generally rectangular. This general shape is modified slightly in different embodiments. In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, the left lateral side (134) and the right lateral side (148) of the pop-up assist (100) slightly angle towards the center of the wedge (218) at an angle from the proximal end (105) to the distal end (110). The front left corner (159), front right corner (160), rear left corner (325) and rear right corner (404) of the pop-up assist (100) in this embodiment are rounded, as seen in FIG. 2. The edges of the pop-up assist (100) in this embodiment are also generally rounded, as seen in FIG. 1. Rounding of corners can help inhibit the device from being damaged by catching on objects, as well as making the surface more comfortable in interaction with the user.

In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, the left lateral side (134) and the right lateral side (148) of the pop-up assist (100) angle towards the center of the wedge (218) at a slightly steeper angle from the proximal end (105) to the distal end (110). The front left corner (159), front right corner (160), rear left corner (325) and rear right corner (404) of the pop-up assist (100) in this embodiment are also rounded, as seen in FIG. 5. The side edges of the pop-up assist (100) in this embodiment are right angles. The inclusion of an angle to the device can allow the device (100) to more accurately reflect the shape of a human user's (351) lower torso. This can assist in making sure the device (100) is under the user (351) and does not impair their arm movement.

In another embodiment the device (100) has no smooth curves on either the sides or the corners. All of the sides of the pop-up assist (100) in this embodiment are at right angles to each other. The front left corner (159), front right corner (160), rear left corner (325) and rear right corner (404) of the pop-up assist (100) in this embodiment are not rounded, but angled at 45 degrees as seen in FIG. 6. This can make the device easier to construct, particularly in machine manufacture.

In another embodiment, the proximal end (105) of the pop-up assist (100) will contain a generally concave shaped pocket (108) between the upper surface (116) and the lower surface (120) that can be used by the surfer or paddler (351) as a key holder (108), or similar storage device. This pocket (108) could also be located on the lower surface (120) or other surface of the pop-up assist. If on the lower surface (120) the pocket (108) will be generally sealed by the tight connection between the pop-up assist (100) and the board (304). If located on an alternative surface, the pocket (108) will be sealable by a zipper, snap or some similar type of enclosure system. Functionally, this pocket (108) acts as a storage compartment providing an additional function for the pop-up assist (100) and benefit for the user (351).

In another embodiment, the pop-up assist (100) will be comprised of two or more wedge shaped pieces (25), that act as a wedge between the user's (351) chest/torso and the board (304). A pop-up assist (100) with two or more wedge shaped pieces (25) is illustrated in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, a series of wedge shaped pieces (25) act in concert to create the device (100) forming a discontinuous platform that raises the chest/torso (580) of the user (351). Generally, the wedge shaped pieces (25) will be placed parallel to each other on the deck of the board (154), but this is by no means required and a slight offset is provided to the pieces in the embodiment of FIG. 11. Each wedge shaped piece (25) may be attached via a permanent or modifiable attachment system. Such a multiple system can provide for further flexibility in arrangement of components, allowing for additional functionality and comfort for a user.

In another embodiment, the pop-up assist (100) is part of the surfboard (304) as opposed to an attachment. In this embodiment, a surfboard (304) is built/shaped with a generally wedge shaped protrusion (257) on the deck of the surfboard (154) near, the expected front-most contact point of the user's (351) body and the board (304) in the trunk area of the human body from the neck to the abdomen. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10. This wedge shaped protrusion (257) can be built during construction or as part of the shaping process, but by no means are either of these methods exclusive. It is contemplated that the wedge shaped protrusion (257) in this embodiment is generally fitted as part of the board (304) to create a unitary piece of equipment, but by no means is this required and the protrusion (257) may be removable, such as for storage or transport.

It should be recognized that while the above description focused on the use of the device in accordance with a surfboard, these descriptions may also be used in utilizing the device in conjunction with a paddleboard. However, on a paddleboard, the user generally will not pop-up so the device is likely to be differently positioned and arranged so as to support paddling only, instead of paddling and popping-up.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and variation of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present disclosures as would be understood by those in ordinary skill in the art. 

1. A pad for attachment to a deck of a surfboard, said pad comprising: a main body having a generally wedge shape with a distal and a proximal end and a length therebetween, with the larger portion of said wedge being located towards said proximal end; a lower surface of said main body sized and shaped for attachment to a surfboard; an upper surface of said main body which angles downward to the deck of said surfboard from said proximal end to said distal end; wherein said main body is attached to said deck of said surfboard at a position so as to contact said user's body between the neck and the abdomen; wherein said proximal end is positioned toward a nose of said surfboard and said distal end is positioned toward a tail of said surfboard; and wherein said pad serves as a wedge between the body of said user lying flat on his or her stomach in the prone position on said surfboard and said board separating their upper torso from said deck.
 2. The pad of claim 1, wherein the said angle of said upper surface ends before said distal end and said upper surface continues parallel to said lower surface for the remaining length of said upper surface.
 3. The pad of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of said pad contains a concave depression in the central area of said proximal end from said upper surface to said lower surface.
 4. The pad of claim 3, wherein said concave depression is generally crescent shaped.
 5. The pad of claim 3, wherein said concave depression has a general polygonal shape.
 6. The pad of claim 1, wherein said pad is designed to be attached by a hook and loop fastener system to a deck of a surfboard.
 7. The pad of claim 1, wherein said pad is designed to be attached to a deck of a surfboard through an attachment system that enables said user to adjust said pad forward or backward on said surfboard.
 8. The pad of claim 1, wherein the said pad is designed to be attached to a deck of a surfboard by an adhesive placed on said lower surface of said pad and said deck of said surfboard, forming a bond.
 9. The pad of claim 1, wherein the said pad is designed to be attached by a pin and hole system to a deck of a surfboard wherein said surfboard is built with pins and holes to accommodate said pad and said pad attaches to said board through said pin and hole system.
 10. The pad of claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said pad is covered by a layer of cushioning substance.
 11. The pad of claim 10 wherein said cushioning substance comprises formed polyurethane gel.
 12. The pad of claim 1, wherein at least one of the elevation or size of said pad is adjustable.
 13. The pad of claim 12 wherein said adjustment occurs by inflation or deflation of at least a portion of said pad.
 14. The pad of claim 1, wherein said pad includes a concave pocket.
 15. The pad of claim 14 wherein said pocket is closed by placing said pad on said surfboard.
 16. The pad of claim 1, wherein said pad is formed of foam, plastic, rubber, polyester material or other fabric, neoprene, or a combination thereof.
 17. The pad of claim 1, wherein said pad comprises two or more separate pieces designed to be mutually attached to a deck of a surfboard and which together act as said pad.
 18. A surfboard comprising: a deck originating at a tail and extending to a nose; a bottom opposing said deck and including at least one fin; a generally wedge shaped protrusion extending from said deck, said protrusion including a proximal and distal end and a length therebetween; wherein said proximal end of wedge shaped protrusion extends further from said deck of the surfboard than said distal end; wherein such proximal end of said protrusion is positioned toward said nose and said distal end is positioned toward said tail; and wherein said wedge shaped protrusion is positioned on said surfboard so as to contact a user's body between the neck and the abdomen when a user lies prone on said deck.
 19. The surfboard of claim 18, wherein the proximal end of said wedge shaped protrusion contains a concave depression in the central area of said proximal end from the upper surface to the lower surface.
 20. The surfboard of claim 18, wherein two or more wedge shaped protrusions are located on said deck of said surfboard, each of said wedge shaped protrusions being similarly positioned.
 21. The surfboard of claim 18 wherein said protrusion is not intended to be removed from said deck in normal operation.
 22. The surfboard of claim 18 wherein said protrusion is separable from said deck.
 23. A method of surfing comprising: providing to a human user a surfboard having a deck with a wedge shaped projection thereon, said projection having a proximal end arranged toward the nose of said surfboard and extending from said deck a greater distance than an opposing distal end of said projection; said human user lying on said deck of said surfboard in a prone position so that said projection is pushed against at least a lower portion of said human user's ribs so as to direct a portion of said human user's torso away from said deck, said portion including said human user's head; said human user placing said surfboard into a body of water; said human user paddling on said surfboard while utilizing said wedge as support; and said user transitioning from said prone position to standing on said surfboard.
 24. A surfboard comprising: a deck originating at a tail and extending to a nose; a bottom opposing said deck and including at least one fin; and means extending from said deck and positioned on said deck so as to contact a user's body between the neck and the abdomen when a user lies prone on said deck and direct said user's neck away from said deck when said user's abdomen is on said deck.
 25. The surfboard of claim 24 wherein said means also assists said user in transitioning from said prone positioning to a standing positioning. 